While most on this list focus on lab scale or educational lab settings, the greater chemical enterprise has significant issues which need to be addressed. This report from Reuters focuses on the frequency of large oil spills.  I follow oil spill reports on a daily basis and there are dozens of reportable releases - worldwide - every day.

Every energy source has downsides. As we move from fossil fuel based energy to renewable, we are solving some problems but creating new ones. Li-ion battery fires are increasing in frequency and severity. This raises a huge red flag for campuses which allow e-Scooter and e-Bike use. The batteries in these mobility devices are particularly prone to ignition. If the devices are stored and charged in a dormitory, for example, you have a scenario for a significant loss-of-life disaster.

If your campus has not yet done a risk assessment of Li-ion battery use, now might be the time to take a look.

Neal